Air compressors are used to create compressed air. This compressed air can be used to create things such as blow dryers, paint spray guns, nail guns, etc. The air compressor is an essential component in many industries, including the home improvement industry.

There are many kinds of air compressors and it is important to choose a good one. Each one of these compressors has its own advantages and disadvantages. This blog will be updated frequently with information about different types of air compressors, their uses, and their benefits.

Three Main Air Compressors

We have already talked about air compressors. There are 3 styles of air compressors reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors, and rotary centrifugal compressors.

1. Reciprocating Air Compressor

In the past, the only type of air compressor was the reciprocating compressor. This is one of the most commonly used air compressors. A reciprocating compressor creates a constant flow of air. It is used to produce high-pressure and low-volume.

Working Principle: This is an older-style compressor that uses a moving piston to pressurize the gas. As the piston moves up and down, it compresses and decompresses the air in a cylinder. This type of compressor doesn’t need any electricity, but it can only handle small amounts of air at a time.

Advantage & disadvantage: A reciprocating compressor has an electric motor and a piston that moves back and forth inside the cylinder. It is easy to use because it only takes a few seconds to start. However, the disadvantage of a reciprocating compressor is that it is very noisy.

2. Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary screw compressors are also used to compress air. This is a common air compressor. This is because it is the most energy-efficient compressor. It also operates at a higher speed than the reciprocating compressor. It is a good choice for a home application.

Working Principle: In this case, a motor spins a rotor that has helical slots. As the rotor spins, the air is pushed into the air hose. The volume of air that the compressor can handle depends on the size of the rotor. You must also remember that the bigger the compressor, the more power it requires.

Advantage & disadvantage: The rotary screw compressor creates a higher volume of air than the reciprocating compressor. However, the rotary screw compressor does not create a consistent flow of air.

3. Rotary Centrifugal Compressor

The third kind of compressor that we have to talk about is a rotary centrifugal compressor a mechanical device used to create a vacuum or pressure, such as the one used in a car’s air conditioning system. This is the most widely used type of compressor in different industries including food production, welding, and general ventilation.

Working Principle: The rotary centrifugal compressor works by using a spinning disc that creates a seal with the chamber inside. Air is sucked into the chamber through a blower, then compressed and blown out of the chamber through an exhaust port, which is usually on the top of the machine.

The rotary centrifugal compressor produces a lower pressure than the reciprocating compressor and it also produces a higher volume of air. It doesn’t require an electric motor because it is driven by the airflow coming from the fan.

Advantages & disadvantages: It has a simple structure with many advantages: low vibration, reliable operation, and high efficiency. It is very quiet. However, it is the most difficult to operate.